Distracted Driving

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Technology is constantly improving and the ability to be constantly connected to everyone around you is becoming easier and easier with the use of more advanced smartphones, tablets, and computers. As another year begins our handheld technology continues to improve and the amount potential distractions while driving are more prominent than ever before. According to the official government website for distracted driving there was an estimated 421,000 injuries and over 3,000 fatalities due to distracted driving in 2012. Potential types of distractions include:

• Texting
• Phone Calls
• Eating/Drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Doing your make up
• Reading your directions/GPS
• Adjusting your music

It’s important to remember that when you drive distracted that you’re not only putting your life at risk, but also the lives of everyone on the road with you. On average sending/receiving a text takes the driver’s eyes off the road for an average 4.6 seconds, which if you’re traveling at 55mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blind. 

However, despite most people thinking that texting is the only thing that increases your chances of getting in a car accident, things like interacting with children in the backseat, talking on the phone, and looking at your GPS are all also commonly attributed to distracted driving accidents.

Despite the level of danger associated with distracted driving, millions of people still continue to text, call, etc. and drive. It’s important to remember that it can wait. Responding to texts, answering the phone, or distracting yourself in any way is not worth the risk of potentially injuring or killing yourself or those around you. Ignoring distractions can’t kill you, indulging in them can.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Christopher Feigal

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company